Update issues can sometimes derail smooth gaming sessions, but things escalate when a routine Windows update crashes, freezes, or delivers the notorious black screen of doom. The latest version of Windows 11, the feature-packed 24H2 update, is now on an indefinite pause for PCs running blockbuster titles from Ubisoft like Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. If you've caught wind of this news and are wondering what exactly is going on, don’t worry—I'll break it all down for you.
Imagine climbing a peak to synchronize in Assassin’s Creed, only to have the game freeze mid-animation. Disappointing, right? Worse yet, manually updating to 24H2 might make these titles downright unplayable for some users.
Microsoft is working closely with Ubisoft on a fix. While the exact release date for a permanent solution is unclear, this partnership aims to restore the seamless gaming-plus-Windows experience without risking your hard-earned frames per second (FPS).
For others, the safer option is to roll back to the previous 23H2 version of Windows 11. Microsoft gives users a grace period of 10 days to revert to their earlier system state. However, if you’ve exhausted that 10-day window, your only solution might be reinstalling Windows entirely. Yes, that means starting fresh, and yes, it sounds as annoying as it is.
Instead, this blunder underscores a significant issue—why does an OS built to be forward-compatible consistently break high-profile gaming configurations?
Ubisoft has historically been criticized for not optimizing their PC ports (anyone still reeling from Assassin’s Creed Unity problems back in 2014?). But the larger issue could reside in the Windows 11 24H2 kernel tweaks—or potential conflicts with the proprietary engines Ubisoft uses for open-world graphics.
Gamers lose trust when core software creates game-breaking bugs. Developers lose time working on patches when resources could improve gameplay instead of firefighting compatibility conflicts. And manufacturers introducing ground-breaking updates see a tarnished launch, affecting adoption rates. It’s a lose-lose on almost every front.
Watch this space for updates because, when that patch drops, the gaming universe will be back to serene medieval romps and galactic drama—but until then, patience is a virtue.
Source: Tom's Hardware Microsoft temporarily halts Windows 11 24H2 update on PCs with select Ubisoft games — avoiding frequent freezing and black screen glitches in modern Assassin's Creed, Star Wars, and Avatar titles
The Problem at Hand: Gaming Gets a Glitchy Makeover
Windows 11’s 24H2 rollout was supposed to make your PC experience smoother, snappier, and just a little bit cooler with AI enhancements and efficiency boosts. Instead, it brought to light a concerning compatibility issue with certain Ubisoft games. Gamers playing Assassin’s Creed Origins, Odyssey, or the newer hits Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and Star Wars Outlaws started reporting freezes, unresponsive states, and even the dreaded black screens that scream "your session just died."Imagine climbing a peak to synchronize in Assassin’s Creed, only to have the game freeze mid-animation. Disappointing, right? Worse yet, manually updating to 24H2 might make these titles downright unplayable for some users.
What Is Microsoft Doing About It?
Microsoft isn’t taking this issue lightly. To safeguard users against updating into guaranteed frustration, they've enacted a compatibility hold for devices running these Ubisoft titles. Translation? If you have one of the aforementioned games installed, your system won’t be prompted to install 24H2 via the Windows Update channel for now.Microsoft is working closely with Ubisoft on a fix. While the exact release date for a permanent solution is unclear, this partnership aims to restore the seamless gaming-plus-Windows experience without risking your hard-earned frames per second (FPS).
The Surprising Fallout: Hotfixes and Rollbacks
For unlucky early adopters who've already updated to 24H2 and started facing issues, Ubisoft has rolled out an interim hotfix. This patch mitigates the freezing and crashing bugs but comes at a cost—performance takes a noticeable hit, particularly FPS. As intense gamer communities can attest, even a small reduction in performance can disrupt immersive gameplay.For others, the safer option is to roll back to the previous 23H2 version of Windows 11. Microsoft gives users a grace period of 10 days to revert to their earlier system state. However, if you’ve exhausted that 10-day window, your only solution might be reinstalling Windows entirely. Yes, that means starting fresh, and yes, it sounds as annoying as it is.
Why the Fuss? Impact on Gamers and Developers
The gaming industry and operating systems have always had a precarious relationship. New Windows builds generally promise better frame pacing and CPU core optimizations. The 24H2 update should technically be Ubisoft’s dream foundation for reducing latency while capturing breathless medieval melee intensity in Assassin’s Creed or interstellar dogfights in Star Wars.Instead, this blunder underscores a significant issue—why does an OS built to be forward-compatible consistently break high-profile gaming configurations?
Ubisoft has historically been criticized for not optimizing their PC ports (anyone still reeling from Assassin’s Creed Unity problems back in 2014?). But the larger issue could reside in the Windows 11 24H2 kernel tweaks—or potential conflicts with the proprietary engines Ubisoft uses for open-world graphics.
Gamers lose trust when core software creates game-breaking bugs. Developers lose time working on patches when resources could improve gameplay instead of firefighting compatibility conflicts. And manufacturers introducing ground-breaking updates see a tarnished launch, affecting adoption rates. It’s a lose-lose on almost every front.
Who Should Worry, and How to Protect Yourself?
Whether you’re a casual gamer dabbling in Ubisoft’s catalog or a hardcore fan, here’s a tailored roadmap for you:1. Check Before You Update
Microsoft has advised that users avoid manually installing 24H2 via the Windows Installation Media tool or other workarounds. If you don’t play Ubisoft’s games, you can proceed. Everyone else should hold fire to avoid potential chaos.2. Rollback if Necessary
For those already facing issues:- Revert to 23H2 within Microsoft’s 10-day rollback window.
- Head to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and follow the prompts before the window closes.
- If it's too late to roll back, consider a clean install of 23H2—a time-consuming but foolproof fix.
3. Mitigate Freezes Temporarily
Ubisoft’s hotfix might feel like putting duct tape on an airplane wing mid-flight, but it’s an option. Be prepared for lower FPS, though. Additionally, if a game freezes:- Hit Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
- Open Task Manager and forcibly quit the game process to regain control of your system.
4. Back Up Your Critical Gaming Data
Save your game files! Regardless of whether you roll back or wait for a fix, storing save data in the cloud or on external drives ensures you won’t lose progress.Under the Hood: What Could Be Going Wrong?
Here’s a closer examination of possible technical roots behind the issue:- Windows Kernel Updates
Windows 11 24H2 likely introduced changes to the system's core architecture, influencing how it handles resource-heavy tasks. Some APIs critical to modern games may be handling requests inefficiently post-update. - Interactive Multi-Core Use
Ubisoft’s proprietary game engines (like Anvil for Assassin’s Creed) rely on multi-threading. If Windows scheduler algorithms for task prioritization changed in 24H2, it might throw off these threads, causing instability. - GPU Driver Relationships
Gaming engines like Ubisoft’s are deeply enmeshed with NVIDIA and AMD drivers. If either party—in this case, Microsoft’s update—rolls out undocumented changes, GPU code may break down under load. - DirectX or DLL Version Conflicts
New Windows builds sometimes deprecate older DirectX DLL dependencies, breaking legacy code hooks from existing games.
Silver Lining: This Isn’t Permanent!
The good news? This is temporary. Both Microsoft and Ubisoft have the resources and expertise to resolve the issue. But history has taught us these fixes might come in stages, first with patches prioritizing stability and then performance-improving tweaks.Wrapping Up: Should You Press Pause?
Windows 11's 24H2 release is meant to improve your PC experience, boasting AI advancements and faster performance. But if you’re a gamer heavily invested in Ubisoft titles, you’re better off hitting the pause button on this update. Down the line, you’ll probably get a patched experience allowing flawless gameplay and the benefits of the update, but for now, safekeeping your gameplay experience should be priority number one.Watch this space for updates because, when that patch drops, the gaming universe will be back to serene medieval romps and galactic drama—but until then, patience is a virtue.
Source: Tom's Hardware Microsoft temporarily halts Windows 11 24H2 update on PCs with select Ubisoft games — avoiding frequent freezing and black screen glitches in modern Assassin's Creed, Star Wars, and Avatar titles
